The Laboratory Keys are a set of eight keys which function as prizes for solving the trials within the Facility at Canaan House. Each key opens the door to a Lyctor study where the original disciples to the Emperor lived and worked a myriad ago.
The Facility Hatch Key
"We ask, [...] that you never open a locked door unless you have permission."[1]
Given to each necromancer-cavalier pair by Teacher upon request, the Facility hatch key opens the basement trap door down into the Facility proper. The only key with duplicates, there are enough duplicates for each House to have one singular key—a key intended to be kept by the cavalier. This key is described as "long" and "saw-toothed".
The Facility Hatch Keys are obtained by the Third, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth teams before Abigail and Magnus's Anniversary Dinner. Fifth House obtains their key during the party. Second House obtains theirs a few days later. Fourth House never obtains a key at the request of Abigail and Magnus, who serve as their guardians.
The Golden Key
"There was another, smaller key dangling off to one side, gleaming golden, with an elaborately carved shank and deep pockmarks instead of cuts in the shaft."[2]
The Small, Golden Key is won by Palamedes and Camilla after the successful completion of a trial. It remains in Camilla's possession throughout the duration of her time in Canaan House.
The Transference Key
"...she looped it through one of the ornate clover-shaped holes on the handle. [...] The new key was chunky and solid and dyed a deep, juicy scarlet."[3]
"At the butt end, where the teeth terminated, a tiny carving had been made in the metal. It was a collection of dots joined together with a line and two half circles."[3]
The Transference Key is won by Harrow and Gideon after the successful completion of Pyrrha's Transference Trial. It remains in Gideon's possession throughout the duration of her time in Canaan House. It unlocks Gideon the First and Pyrrha's study.
The Psychometry Key
"...and a thick grey key with unpretentious teeth, the kind you'd lock a cabinet with."[4]
The Psychometry Key is won by Cytherea. With her permission, Cytherea's keys are later taken by Silas and Colum for safe keeping where they remain throughout the duration of their time in Canaan House.
Harrow and Palamedes later create a bone copy of the key from Palamedes psychometric perceptions.[5]
The Avulsion Key
"...shining silvery white, austerely plain with a single loop for a head and three simple teeth on the shaft."[4]
The Avulsion Key is won by Harrow and Gideon after the successful completion of the Avulsion Trial. As per their agreement, once Harrow has had an opportunity to examine the Lyctor study the key is given to Cytherea (who Harrow believes to be Dulcinea). With her permission, Cytherea's keys are later taken by Silas and Colum for safe keeping where they remain throughout the duration of their time in Canaan House.
The Wrought Iron Key
"...and one other, in black wrought iron with curlicues."[6]
The Wrought Iron Key is won by Silas and Colum. It remains in Colum's possession throughout the duration of his time in Canaan House.
The Sixth Key
The Sixth Key is won by Palamedes and Camilla after the successful completion of a trial. It remains in Camilla's possession throughout the duration of her time in Canaan House.
The Seventh Key
The Seventh Key is won by Palamedes and Camilla after the successful completion of a trial. It remains in Camilla's possession throughout the duration of her time in Canaan House.
The Missing Key
"...three inches long, metal, shaft, teeth—"[6]
The Missing Key is won by Abigail and Magnus after the successful completion of a trial. Immediately upon exiting the Facility, they are attacked by Cytherea who stores the key in Abigail's abdomen. Cytherea blocks up the corresponding lock with regenerating ash. Harrow and Gideon remove the ash after the prompting of Palamedes and Camilla.[7] The key is later discovered, taken, and left in the lock of the final Lyctor study by Ianthe.
References
- ↑ "Gideon the Ninth," Act I, Ch. 8
- ↑ "Gideon the Ninth," Act II, Ch. 12
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Gideon the Ninth," Act II, Ch. 16
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Gideon the Ninth," Act III, Ch. 20
- ↑ "Gideon the Ninth," Act IV, Ch. 32
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Gideon the Ninth," Act III, Ch. 23
- ↑ "Gideon the Ninth," Act IV, Ch. 27